B endorphin Health Dictionary

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B Endorphin: From 1 Different Sources

A naturally occurring painkiller which is produced by the PITUITARY GLAND as part of a pro-hormone (pre-pro-opianomelanocortin). It is an agonist at opioid receptors, and its release is stimulated by pain and stress. (See ENDORPHINS.)
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Endorphins

Peptides (see PEPTIDE) produced in the brain which have a pain-relieving action; hence their alternative name of opiate peptides. Their name is derived from endogenous MORPHINE. They have been de?ned as endogenous opiates or any naturally occurring substances in the brain with pharmacological actions resembling opiate alkaloids such as morphine. There is some evidence that the pain-relieving action of ACUPUNCTURE may be due to the release of these opiate peptides. It has also been suggested that they may have an antipsychotic action and therefore be of value in the treatment of major psychotic illnesses such as SCHIZOPHRENIA.... endorphins

Endorphin

(endomorphin) n. one of a group of chemical compounds, similar to the *encephalins, that occur naturally in the brain and have pain-relieving properties similar to those of the opiates. They are also responsible for sensations of pleasure. The endorphins are derived from a substance found in the pituitary gland known as beta-lipotrophin; they are thought to be concerned with controlling the activity of the endocrine glands.... endorphin

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